Revenge fuels “The Unholy Trinity”, a new Western from Australian director Richard Gray. Set high in the scenic Montana Territory during the late winter of 1988, “The Unholy Trinity” takes place in and around the small town of Trinity. Its story (written for the screen by Lee Zachariah) follows a number of characters driven by their own personal vengeances and the upright local lawman trying to keep order among the growing chaos.

Sadly, Westerns have had a tougher time resonating with modern audiences, especially Westerns that might fall into the more traditional category. In many ways “The Unholy Trinity” is very much a traditional Western, embracing an assortment of familiar tropes, character types, and themes. Its story doesn’t break new ground or reshape the genre. Yet the storytelling is solid and efficient. And there is enough mystery and intrigue to keep us involved.

Gray leans on the star wattage of Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson. Both deliver the kind of sturdy performances you would expect in portraying two dramatically different characters. But it’s actor Brandon Lessard who begins as the centerpiece. He plays Henry Broadway, a young man who is intent on avenging the death of his father (Tim Daly). Henry’s father was imprisoned and executed after he was framed by Saul Butler, the corrupt sheriff of a small Montana town called Trinity.

Henry travels to Trinity where he plans to spread his father’s ashes and kill the town’s sheriff. But those plans hit a snag when he arrives and discovers that Saul Butler is dead and buried. Butler’s trigger-happy war buddy Gideon (Gianni Capaldi) believes he was murdered by a young Blackfoot woman (Q’orianka Kilcher) hiding out in a nearby grove. Gideon wants revenge which he masks as a call for justice. But the new sheriff, Gabriel Dove (Brosnan) refuses to act without proof of guilt.

Through a near fatal misunderstanding, Henry is introduced to Gabriel who has sympathy for the boy. But Henry’s stay in Trinity is complicated after he kills a local thug in self-defense, making him the target of the hombre’s revenge-obsessed brothers. Henry escapes from the town with the help of a former slave who goes by Saint Christopher (Jackson). The mysterious Christopher claims to have once ran with Henry’s father. But his motivations are unclear and his intentions are even murkier.

As the story plays out we’re treated to shifting allegiances and unexpected alliances. And there are several decent plot twists that keep things interesting. The action we get is decent, especially during the inevitable final showdown. But the shootouts are not the movie’s chief focus. Gray and Zachariah are more interested in unfolding the characters through their ever-changing circumstances. Some fare better than others, but overall it makes for a mostly entertaining feature set firmly within a classic Western framework.

“The Unholy Trinity” may not change the minds of those with no affection for Westerns. But it’s plenty appetizing for those hungry for more from the nearly forsaken genre. From start to finish, the movie plays out much as you would expect, and for some that seemingly lack of originality may hold it back. But its classic style, which may be viewed as a weakness to some, may be seen as a strength to others. And that will make “The Unholy Trinity” a welcomed treat for genre fans. “The Unholy Trinity” is in theaters now.

VERDICT – 3 STARS